On October 23, 2012, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act turned 40. Enacted in 1972, this act initiated ocean protection and promoted greater conservation than ever before. Today, there are a total of fourteen NOAA Marine Sanctuaries off the coast of the United States - and many of them are home to some of the best dive sites in the US. Here, we'll take a look at some key accomplishments within the National Marine Sanctuary system - all great strides in conserving, protecting, and enhancing ocean biodiversity, cultural legacy, and ecological integrity to make our planet a better place to live.
The Channel Islands
Known for its great white sharks, bright orange garibaldis, and magnificent kelp forests, as well as its rocky coasts where seals and sea lions thrive, the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary in California was designated for protection in 1980. Here, warm and cold water currents form a confluence, hosting a variety of abundant marine life representative of the northern and southern waters off the Pacific coast of the United states. This sanctuary was expanded in 2007 to provide a greater buffer zone between protected areas and commercial fishing grounds.
Florida Keys
By 1989, when large vessels were often grounding on the coral reef systems within the Florida Keys, it was clear that something had to be done to change the trend. In 1990, Congress acted to protect the largest coral barrier reef in the United States. In 2001, NOAA expanded the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, adding even more precious coral reef habitat to the west of the area's original boundary. This spectacular reserve is a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and conservationists; it is home to an ever-growing abundance of marine life and features a number of shipwrecks, some of which are of great historic importance.
Flower Garden Banks
You might have read about Flower Garden Banks in our list of favorite marine parks, and perhaps you've even been there. Relatively new, this Marine Protected Area is located in the Gulf of Mexico - one of the nation's most threatened areas of ocean. In 1996, Flower Garden Banks was expanded to incorporate Stetson Bank. Flower Garden Banks includes coral reefs which are situated on a series of salt domes. The area got its name because commercial fishermen were constantly pulling up colorful marine organisms in their nets. Needless to say, the damage caused by this activity has come to a stop, and the reefs are healing themselves well with each year that passes. If you want to encounter some big marine life while diving, this is an excellent place to do just that!
Monterey Bay
Monterey is famous for more than its' colorful cast of characters, including novelist John Steinbeck, who grew up there and who incorporated the area's beautiful scenery into his stories in a way that makes all who read them want to visit. This central California town sits just off the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, where visitors from all over the planet come for world-class kelp diving and much more. Here, Sea Otters, Cetaceans, and an almost unbelievable roster of marine life in every shape and size thrive. NOAA designated Monterey Bay a Marine Sanctuary in 1992, and expanded it in 2009 to include Davidson Seamount, which offers geological value as well as ecological biodiversity.
In all, there are thirteen National Marine Sanctuaries, and one protected Marine National Monument, Papahanaumokuakea, which covers 139,797 square miles of Pacific Ocean habitat, encompassing an area bigger than all the nation's national parks combined. Whether you get the opportunity to visit just one of these areas, or all of them, you'll come away with a sense of wonder when you realize just what can happen when our natural resources are protected from unsustainable practices. So, grab your favorite dive buddy, and get wet - wonderful things await at our National Marine Sanctuaries!